Hocbigg - Metaphysics

Contents

• Summary
• Communities
• Curriculum
• Code of conduct

Summary

The curriculum is a complete education in Metaphysics using online materials.

The program emphasizes critical thinking, logical argumentation, textual analysis, and philosophical writing, drawing from historical and contemporary perspectives. It prioritizes free MOOCs where available, supplemented by high-quality textbooks when necessary (authoritative paid options first, followed by free/open alternatives like the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (SEP) entries).

Learners will develop competencies in analyzing metaphysical arguments, constructing coherent positions on ontological issues, evaluating epistemological foundations of metaphysical claims, and applying metaphysical concepts to real-world problems like personal identity or free will.

Organization

This repository is organized into three main components:

• Core Curriculum (this page): the foundational knowledge of the field;
• Advanced Topics: focused study in specific areas;
• Projects: support learning through practical application throughout the curriculum.

Process: Learners may work through the curriculum independently or collaboratively, and either sequentially or selectively.

• For simplicity, courses in the Core Curriculum are ordered according to their prerequisites.
• The Core Curriculum provides a shared foundation and is intended to be completed in full.
• Advanced Topics are optional; learners are encouraged to select one area of focus and complete all courses within that topic.

Practical work is integrated through the Projects section and may be undertaken alongside coursework.

Note: When there are courses or books that don't fit into the curriculum but are otherwise of high quality, they belong in extras/courses, extras/readings.

How to contribute

Communities

• Forums:
  • The Philosophy Forum
  • Online Philosophy Club
  • Philosophy Now Forum
  • Able2Know Metaphysics
• Subreddits:
  • r/Metaphysics
  • r/askphilosophy
  • r/philosophy
• Discord servers:
  • The Philosophy Chat
• Other:
  • FediPhilosophy (Mastodon Instance)
  • Philosophy Group (a.gup.pe)
  • Metaphysics Meetup Groups
• You can also interact through GitHub issues. If there is a problem with a course, or a change needs to be made to the curriculum, this is the place to start the conversation. Read more here.

• Join our Discord server (for discussions around this and other curricula):

  

Curriculum

• Orientation and Philosophical Tools
• Core Metaphysical Domains
• Historical Foundations of Metaphysics

How to use this curriculum

Core Sections

Study them in this exact order:

1. Orientation and Philosophical Tools
   Start here. These units give you the basic concepts, reading skills, and reasoning tools you need before anything else.

2. Core Metaphysical Domains
   This is the heart of the subject. Work through units 4–7 in order. They cover the main areas that almost every serious student of metaphysics must understand.

3. Historical Foundations of Metaphysics
   After the core domains, go back in time. Units 8 and 9 provide crucial historical context that helps you understand why contemporary debates are shaped the way they are.

Orientation and Philosophical Tools

Core Metaphysical Domains

Historical Foundations of Metaphysics

Code of conduct

Hocbigg's code of conduct.